first light

I welcomed in the new year in El Paso, Texas this year. From this location you can see not only Texas, but New Mexico and Juarez, Mexico.

My thoughts traveled to the countries that I have visited and the “such a small world” feeling that consistently pervades interactions and events. At the same time, we have politicians who wish to build walls to keep out some of our neighbors. Looking out from this scenic overlook, it is hard to locate the exact lines which mark the borders and “ours” from “theirs.” The desert on one side looks the same as the desert on the other…as do the plants, insects, and birds. While there might be differences among the people on Earth, approach the new year with the knowledge that we are all in this together.

For the past 9 years, I’ve shot the sunrise on Jan. 1 as a way to welcome the new year.